It’s that time again when we all like to moan about how flippin’ busy the Edinburgh streets are. Yes, #EdFringe is here! But along with the inevitable tourist surge, there’s international comedy and entertainment of all shapes and sizes. And, of course, that means there are a few gems that will light up the language lovers.
So what treats does the 2025 edition have in store for us? Quite a bit, it turns out. Here are my picks for this year, taking in French, German, Spanish, and … Norwegian!
PIAF AND BREL: THE IMPOSSIBLE CONCERT (MELANIE GALL)
I’ve often said you can’t walk a yard during festival time without seeing a poster for a Piaf tribute. This year there are three, but writer, singer and music historian Melanie – a familiar face from previous Fringe years – blends in Brel too, and is amongst the best. The music takes centre stage, of course, but her storytelling is excellent.
After you’ve ticked that one off, check out Piaf Revisited and C’est moi as well!
FRENCH MÉLODIE AND GERMAN LIEDER
A double whammy here – a quartet of musicians present a lunchtime treat of romantic song in French and German. It’s only on Monday 11th August, so be quick if you want to catch it!
SERGI POLO: SPANISH WORK IN PROGRESS
It’s not often you get a whole standup set in a non-English language at #EdFringe, but here we are (hoorah). Sergi Polo has brought his show to Edinburgh in both Spanish and English, although the Spanish set is for one night only (13th August).
FELI Y LOS MALOS
Spanish-language funky blues is the order of the day with this latin-pop quartet led by Colombian-American Felipe Schrieberg. Their last #EdFringe gig is Wednesday 13th, though, so be quick to catch them before they head home!
COPLA : A SPANISH CABARET
The history of Spanish cabaret is intertwined with the queer migrant experience in this moving, dramatic show at George Square. If you want a Spanish show that is on all month (great if you’re occasionally slow to get your ticketing act together, ahem), then this is a great choice.
Achtung! The Superkrauts are Coming!
If it’s winsome takes on German culture you want, then look no further than this duo! Blending music and not a little absurdist comedy, this Bavarian-Rheinland mix should get the laughs going. And if you liked that, you can catch one half of them, Jürgen, in his own standup set too.
LEO MAHR IS A SEASONED *****
It’s a great year for LGBTQIA+ comedy this year, and this is a cheeky one, but I couldn’t resist. Queer-coded, after-hours, Swiss German shenanigans are what’s on offer here, and the best thing about it? It’s free, playing every day at venue #82, the Laughing Horse (actually the iconic City Café) from the 12th to the 25th.
THOR STENHAUG : ONE-NIGHT STAND BABY
Fringe programmes are driven more and more by social media breakouts in recent years, and 2025’s listings are full of them. Norway’s Thor Stenhaug is one, having built a loyal base on TikTok with a set that puts a quirky spin on a Norwegian’s experience of UK life. Obviously I couldn’t not add a Norwegian-themed act, could I?
So there you go – a clutch of fun shows to take you around the world (well, mainly Europe, but there’s a bit of the RoW in there too!). What have I missed? What have you seen that is unmissable? I’d love more recommendations – please share yours in the comments!
